20 RESA Kohler genset fault

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Grants Pass Oregon
My generator is shutting down after 20 seconds of run time. It has been working fine until today when i went to exercise it. Although it has and automatic exercise program, i have it in manual mode so it wont come on in the middle of the night . The message on the screen was "ECM mismatch shutdown" . ECM is not identified in the manual but i assume it means Electronic control module. I went through the error/fault clearing procedure and now it will not even crank. After goofing around for a few minutes trying to clear the fault again, the new message now says "invalid M N shutdown. Again M N is not identified. Anybody have a similar problem ? Tomorrow i will kill ac and DC power to the unit, reconnect, and see what that result might be. Any help appreciated !
 
JFletcher said:
welcome. I do not know the Kohler line or its error codes; if i had to take a guess at the second one, it would be "Invalid Manual Shutdown (Procedure)". I found some links that may help you:

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/559903/Kohler-14-20resa.html?page=25

http://www.kohlergenerators.com/common/pdf/tp6804.pdf

There should be a clock on the unit and timer so that it does not auto-run/self test at 3am.
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Thanks i will check these out. I didnt mean self test at 3am, meant just didnt want the genset on at all when i am sleeping. :)
 
You need to get a qualified/authorized tech out there to "flash" your controller. Basically reload the software/firmware. No real explanation why it happened, but "flashing" the software can clear some glitches like what you are seeing. Invalid MN shutdown -- For some reason the Model Number has been lost. "Flashing" and reloading the firmware/software can clear this.

These units should be able to sit for quite sometime in the off position even without a battery installed without this happening, but sometimes (for no reason I know of) they lose some settings.

If you have the OnCue option, and were willing to give me your S/N and 4 digit code, I could do this "flash" remotely. If nothing else it will save you a service trip.
 
Snowman88 said:
You need to get a qualified/authorized tech out there to "flash" your controller. Basically reload the software/firmware. No real explanation why it happened, but "flashing" the software can clear some glitches like what you are seeing. Invalid MN shutdown -- For some reason the Model Number has been lost. "Flashing" and reloading the firmware/software can clear this.

These units should be able to sit for quite sometime in the off position even without a battery installed without this happening, but sometimes (for no reason I know of) they lose some settings.

If you have the OnCue option, and were willing to give me your S/N and 4 digit code, I could do this "flash" remotely. If nothing else it will save you a service trip.
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Snowman88 , I have the oncue connector port . Genset is a 2013 model that was already installed when i bought the home. Serial# sgm323jgc Spec# gm80978-ga7 I dont see a 4 digit code for the oncue.
 
Snowman88 said:
You need to get a qualified/authorized tech out there to "flash" your controller. Basically reload the software/firmware. No real explanation why it happened, but "flashing" the software can clear some glitches like what you are seeing. Invalid MN shutdown -- For some reason the Model Number has been lost. "Flashing" and reloading the firmware/software can clear this.

These units should be able to sit for quite sometime in the off position even without a battery installed without this happening, but sometimes (for no reason I know of) they lose some settings.

If you have the OnCue option, and were willing to give me your S/N and 4 digit code, I could do this "flash" remotely. If nothing else it will save you a service trip.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a possibility to me. One of the sites I care for has an 80kW Generac that loses its mind occasionally. I remove the controller and ship it away for reflashing. When it comes back, I have to program certain items into memory from the factory test data, such as how many teeth on the flywheel. PITA.

Also, if you haven't replaced the battery in a few years, you probably should consider it.
 
All the residential units now come with the OnCue port, but require a one time software activation that is tied to the S/N. If there is no Cat 5 cable connected to that port then it is unlikely the previous owner opted for the OnCue. I looked the S/N up and don't see OnCue as part of the included kits, and have also reached out to the factory to see if they show a record of this S/N being tied to an OnCue purchase. Should the response come back negative, I recommend reaching out to Nor-Pac Power Systems. They are your local Kohler Dealer. 541-864-9643.

I will reply once I get a response from the factory.
 
grich said:
Sounds like a possibility to me. One of the sites I care for has an 80kW Generac that loses its mind occasionally. I remove the controller and ship it away for reflashing. When it comes back, I have to program certain items into memory from the factory test data, such as how many teeth on the flywheel. PITA.

Also, if you haven't replaced the battery in a few years, you probably should consider it.
Click to expand...

Good to know. Yes, battery replaced 6 months ago. Thanks for the help!
 
Snowman88 said:
All the residential units now come with the OnCue port, but require a one time software activation that is tied to the S/N. If there is no Cat 5 cable connected to that port then it is unlikely the previous owner opted for the OnCue. I looked the S/N up and don't see OnCue as part of the included kits, and have also reached out to the factory to see if they show a record of this S/N being tied to an OnCue purchase. Should the response come back negative, I recommend reaching out to Nor-Pac Power Systems. They are your local Kohler Dealer. 541-864-9643.

I will reply once I get a response from the factory.
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Snowman, there is a cat 5 cable coiled up near the port but its connected at the other end to the hard wired household data system that i dont use (all wifi now). The installer of the genset was Helco Electric, (CCB 158509). Could you recommend them as well? Thank you very much for all your help !
 
I just received word from the factory that there is no OnCue account associated with that S/N.

Kohler has recently released a wireless version of OnCue, but additional equipment would be required. If you had an available port on your router to plug that cable into, you would only need to purchase the OnCue software.

I have no knowledge of Helco nor Nor-Pac. I recommended Nor-Pac based on the location where the generator is registered and the nearest Kohler Authorized Dealer. Helco may be a fine company, they are just not listed on Kohlers website as an authorized dealer.
 
Snowman88 said:
I just received word from the factory that there is no OnCue account associated with that S/N.

Kohler has recently released a wireless version of OnCue, but additional equipment would be required. If you had an available port on your router to plug that cable into, you would only need to purchase the OnCue software.

I have no knowledge of Helco nor Nor-Pac. I recommended Nor-Pac based on the location where the generator is registered and the nearest Kohler Authorized Dealer. Helco may be a fine company, they are just not listed on Kohlers website as an authorized dealer.
Click to expand...

i will check into the software as a new module is approx $ 600-900. Thanks for your efforts.
 
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